New York City FC will have their eyes set on their first ever MLS Cup this year after making the Conference semi-final of the playoffs for the third straight year. Although that will be focus for everyone associated with the club over the next few weeks, plans are already being made for the roster in 2020.
Here is a look at three players who have been linked with a move to New York City FC in 2020.
Leonardo Bonucci
91 – Leonardo #Bonucci has played 91 games with National team, level with Alessandro Del Piero at 10th position in the all-time appareances ranking with Italy. Pillar. pic.twitter.com/cbqWtAPNvR
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 8, 2019
There were reports that New York City enquired about the availability of Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci back in the summer, however, the seven-time Serie A winner opted to return to his former club Juventus from AC Milan. Bonucci has been one of the best central defenders of his generation but at the age of 32, he may look for a new challenge outside of Europe next season and that could come with New York City FC. The Eastern Conference regular season winners conceded the fewest amount of goals last season so if they do manage to secure Bonucci, the defence will be even stronger in 2020. With the experience the Italian has at the highest level, he would be one of NYC FC’s biggest ever signings, if they could pull it off.
Olivier Giroud
Frenchman Olivier Giroud has found himself out of favor at Chelsea this season where new boss Frank Lampard has opted to give youth a chance in his squad with Tammy Abraham taking full advantage of his opportunity as their lone striker. Chelsea are currently priced at 4/5 to finish in the top four in the sports betting from Space Casino following their positive start, which means Giroud is unlikely to move up the pecking order this season. The Blues striker has already suggested he would be open to a move to the MLS to a franchise in either New York, LA or Miami. With David Villa set to leave NYC FC at the end of this year, Giroud could be the perfect replacement given what he has achieved in Europe and for his national team. The 33-year-old is still a regular for the France national team and would most likely have a lot of success in the MLS.
Keaton Parks
Keaton Parks’ calmness and confidence in possession helps #NYCFC stay in control: https://t.co/qFfWw1cWSI | @RyanGerbosi pic.twitter.com/YDITC6gHU8
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) September 20, 2019
One of the stars of the season for NYC FC has been Keaton Parks who has been on loan from Benfica. The American has played alongside Maxi Moralez and Alexander Ring and although he only has three goals to his name, his contribution has been much more as his passing completion rate is one of the best in the league. When his loan period expires at the end of this year, NYC FC need to make a decision on whether they make a move for the player permanently. At the age of just 22, his best years remains ahead of him. Parks has only played five games for Benfica’s first team since he moved to the Portuguese club in 2017 from Varzim so they could be open to accepting a fee.
New York City FC are in action on October 23 in the Eastern Conference semi-final where they will face either Toronto FC or D.C. United.